To take advantage of the speed and security offered through the St John (Qld) website,
we recommend using the most up-to-date version of your Internet browser. For the best experience,
we encourage you to use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Mental Health First Aid

Did you know mental health conditions will affect more Australians than cancer?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 17.5% of Australian have experienced mental and behavioural health conditions in their lifetime.* It is important to understand how to support those with mental illness in their journey.

The Mental Health First Aid course is ideal for all Queenslanders including those individuals who support families and friends through a mental illness or health professionals who work with adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Students will learn first aid skills for helping people experiencing a mental health crisis, the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, where and how to get help, and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective.

Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, or who is in a mental health crisis (e.g., the person is suicidal or has had a traumatic experience). Like physical first aid, mental health first aid is given until the person receives professional help or until the crisis resolves.

Mental health first aid strategies are taught in evidence-based training courses authored by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia and delivered by accredited MHFA Instructors across the country.

St John Ambulance Queensland offers MHFA Courses as authored by MHFA Australia, delivered by Instructors who are currently accredited by MHFA Australia.

12 Hour Standard MHFA Course

The 12-hour Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course teaches adults (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.

14 Hour Youth MHFA Course

The 14-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Course teaches adults (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to adolescents who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Please book using the calendar below.

* Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Health Survey: First Results, 2014-15 Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4364.0.55.001

Please note this course is not recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Competencies

Prerequisites

Nil.

Any interested adult can attend. Please note this course is not a therapy or support group, rather it is an educational course to learn how to give first aid to others.

Training Materials Provided

Course participants receive a copy of the Standard or Youth MHFA Manual and are eligible to complete an online Accreditation Assessment with Mental Health First Aid Australia in order to receive a Mental Health First Aider Certificate of Accreditation which is valid for three years.

Recommended recertification period

Mental Health First Aid Australia recommends that you renew your skills and knowledge every three years.